xciv Proceedings of the Asiatic Society. [Nov. 184C. 



6. Although the exertions of my predecessor failed in one respect, his liberality 

 and the application of Mr. Brayton have succeeded in another and a very important 

 particular. Mr. Brayton having acquired some knowledge of the Salone language, 

 has taught several of them to read, and there is every probability of his Salone 

 school being increased during the approaching rains. I forward three copies of the 

 first Salone work, a small primer. 



7. One of my objects in assembling theLampee Salones was to ascertain whether 

 they had during this dry season been visited by Malay Boats, their great dread. I 

 was happy to learn that these timid unresisting people had during the dry season 

 been free from molestation, and carried on their Sea Slug collections undisturbed 

 and successfully. 



8. Formerly the Salones paid a tax to Government of 3 rupees a boat, the tax was 

 discontinued by my predecessor, and I have not imposed any new one upon them, 

 nor do I intend it. Their Sea Slug collection is not unproductive, the slug selling at 

 the rate of 30 to the rupee ; but with the exception of a few mats, the making of 

 which is the S. W. monsoon occupation, the slug forms their only wealth ; it is 

 caught or rather dug up, during the N. E. monsoon, at the period of low water in 

 spring tides, and it is from the value of this article in the Mergui market that they 

 obtain the means of purchasing rice, salt, and clothes. Their food is rice, fish, 

 and shell fish ; a few hogs are caught and killed by the aid of their numerous dogs, 

 and some of the Lampee Salones had fowls with them. When as frequently occurs, 

 the Salones have expended their rice, they have resort to a wild root which grows 

 in abundance, and which after much maceration in water, parts with its poisonous 

 matter, and becomes safe and edible. 



9. I have no means of ascertaining or estimating the number of Salones in the 

 Mergui Archipelago. Any guess must be a very random one. At Lampee, a 

 favorite Salone place of resort, I suppose that instead of forty, with timely warn- 

 ing, nearly 100 boats might have been assembled, but it is their best frequented 

 place of wandering. What the forests are to the Karens, the sea and the coasts of 

 the islands of the Mergui Archipelago are to the Salones. The latter having boats, 

 dispense with houses altogether, and are therefore still more migratory in their 

 habits than the Karens. These are habits which it will require much time and favor- 

 ing circumstances to break. 



I have, &c. 

 (Signed) H. M. Durand, 



Commissioner T. P. 



(True Copy) 



Cecil Beadon, 

 Under- Secy, to the Govt, of Bengal. 



The Meteorological Registers kept at Kyouk Phyoo for September, 

 1846, were presented by the acting Superintendent of Marine. 



